I can not believe I am even writing this blog post. I feel like I am in some kind of nightmare, I'll wake up and our Stanley cat will be here snuggling with me under the covers.

Our little Stanley has crossed over the rainbow bridge.

Late last night he suddenly collapsed and was howling out in pain, he couldn't move at all. I knew right away what it was, because I was warned at every 3 month visit to Stan's cardiologist that this could happen.

We rushed him to the Emergency Vet immediately and it was determined that he had multiple blood clots in 3 of his limbs. They had difficulty finding a working vein to administer IV pain meds. After discussing it with the vet we decided it was time to say good bye. Such a huge and difficult decision to make but even if were able to get the clots under control the likelihood of them coming back were at about 100%. He was in tremendous pain so it was our time to be brave for him and help him cross over.

We are comforted to know that he had amazing quality of life right up until his last hour. He showed zero symptoms yesterday and zooming around just like his usual frisky self.

Stanley was such a joy in our lives. Rescued and bottle fed by Bernie at A Place to Bark at only 2 weeks old. We drove up to Atlanta to get him on our 5 year wedding anniversary and he was just 5 weeks old and our little baby.

here he is testing the patience of Mabel!

he was such a teeny little thing giving Paul kisses ....

Stan and Mabel always hanging out together....

Always ready when we woke up ..

he loved watching us get ready in the morning. For a long time I couldn't even use our sink!

he was so brave at his visit to the Cardiologist every 3 months for his checkup and echocardiogram.

I couldn't open a shopping bag without him jumping in..

he was an artist ...

a cheerleader when there was work to get done....

and a yoga instructor ...

and lollipop lover...

sweet dreams little Stan..... 4 years was not long enough with you. Our hearts are aching. We miss you already little guy!

Claudine, I am so sorry and saddened by this news. Sending you long distance hugs and hope that your wonderful memories will help you through this most difficult time. He was such a sweet boy and it is easy to see how much he was loved.

Oh my heart grieves with yours. We lost a cat to cardiomyopathy suddenly and unexpectedly. I thought I'd die. We had less than 2 years. I'm so glad you had 4, and that Stanley was full of life to the end. You will be in my prayers.

I am so sorry. I know there isn't anything anyone can say to ease your sorrow, but what a wonderful gift our pets give us by allowing us to be more human, show compassion and love. Stanley's gift to you -- and you have that the rest of your life.

I think he was the sweetest kitty I've ever known (of)--his little spirit shone through his photos, especially the one where he's getting his blood pressure taken (my favorite). He had a beautiful, although too short, life with you and Paul and you did exactly the right thing at the end. I know how painful it is to lose a beloved animal--hopefully your wonderful memories of him will help you through.

Oh Claudine! Your post brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet little guy. I'm so happy you were home when it was Stanley's time. I'm sure you will miss him greatly but he will always be in your heart.Betz

Claudine, I am so sorry for your loss. As a "cat mom" to two wonderful cats, I know how much Stanley was a part of the family. I will miss seeing his picture in your Twitter updates! Hugs to you and your family in this difficult time.

Oh, Claudine, I don't even remotely have the words to express how sorry I am. My heart is breaking for you and Paul. There are very few things in the world that are harder than what you're going through.

What a wonderful family you were to this sweet boy. You gave him a loving home and a truly happy life. Stanley will be remembered by all of us who enjoyed seeing his handsome face on your site and in your videos. Thanks for giving us the chance to get to know him this way.

Claudine what a wonderful tribute to Stanley. I somehow thought he was much older than he really was. He had some lovely years with you and given that Bernie did what she did, and then you and Paul taking him on, he had some wonderful years indeed. Sending hugs your way at this difficult time. Beverley xx

Dear Claudine, So sorry to hear about the loss of Stanley. He was quite a character and loved by many of us out here through your posts about him and his antics. May your heart have peace soon. Big hugs, Shari

Claudine I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. As I read this tears are steaming down my face because I know what it's like to lose a pet you love so much! I look so forward to the post about all your pets. At least he had one of the best homes around!

I am so sorry to hear about Stanley. When I took your Big Picture class it was fun seeing Stanley and Mabel in the videos. We lost our dog to cancer and it was really sad. My thoughts are with you today.

Oh, Claudine . . . I'm so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I'm the "momma" of a ginger tabby, too, and I know how wonderful they are. Stanley was a sweet boy, loved by many -- even in the cyber world! (((HUGS))) to you.

Oh, Claudine, this is beautiful. I'm sitting here, crying with you. What a sweet and adorable kitty he was! And what a blessing that you have so many happy memories and beautiful pictures of your dear baby.

As one who has also had to make the decision to put a beloved kitty to rest, I know how difficult and painful this decision is to make. It sounds like you did the right thing for your baby, however. He was lucky to have parents who loved him so.

I'm in tears... I'm so sorry Claudine:( My thoughts went back to the day I picked Stanley up from the pound last nite. Tiny little peanut he was.All I know is you gave him a life, he never would have had otherwise. We can never have enough time with our pets, ever! But if I ever come back to this life, I want to be one of your pets! I love you, for being my friend and my right hand, always supporting our rescue efforts and for being stronger than you ever thought you could be.

I'm in tears... I'm so sorry Claudine:( My thoughts went back to the day I picked Stanley up from the pound last nite. Tiny little peanut he was.All I know is you gave him a life, he never would have had otherwise. We can never have enough time with our pets, ever! But if I ever come back to this life, I want to be one of your pets! I love you, for being my friend and my right hand, always supporting our rescue efforts and for being stronger than you ever thought you could be.

I'm in tears... I'm so sorry Claudine:( My thoughts went back to the day I picked Stanley up from the pound last nite. Tiny little peanut he was.All I know is you gave him a life, he never would have had otherwise. We can never have enough time with our pets, ever! But if I ever come back to this life, I want to be one of your pets! I love you, for being my friend and my right hand, always supporting our rescue efforts and for being stronger than you ever thought you could be.

I am saddened to hear about your sweet Stanley. You and Paul are so lucky to have had him in your lives for 4 wonderful years. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. And extra hugs for Mabel.

Claudine, I am so sorry for your loss. It seems like you just got him yesterday. Not only were you lucky to have such a great kitty in him, but he was so lucky to have such a great family in you! That is special. Many hugs to you.

Oh Claudine,Such a sad thing. But I bet Stanley was so grateful for the wonderful 4 years you gave him. Imagine being rescued from a not-so-good life ... then becoming a very special cat in a house where he was sooo loved. Wonderful.I was crying as I read the post - I too have wonderful full of personality cats (or they have me ..!) and I totally understand the sadness. But Stanley, I'm sure, thanks you -for those great years and your selfless decision. Take care .

Oh, Claudine... I am just so, so very sorry. I wish words didn't seem so shallow. I lost my beloved Montgomery a year ago this Halloween and I know how agonizing this is. I will say a prayer to him to go over and welcome Stanley. I know Montgomery will be happy to be a friend to your Stanley...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a very tough decision to make but rest easy that you made the right one. Even though we "communicate" with our furry family member they really can't tell us the level of pain and discomfort they are in so all we can do is guess. You gave him a great life and treasure the memories you have.

My heart breaks for you and Paul . . . you are such sweet, caring souls - you have had way too many young pets cross the rainbow bridge than anyone should have to. You are the BEST humans a pet could ask for - the quality of the time you share with your furry babies is unsurpassed. I hope your happy memories will give you some comfort.xoxx, Renée in AZ

Oh how very sorry I am...I have never been to your blog until today...I know the pain of losing a beloved cat... My little Gracie was lost when during a house fire while we were on vacation... and yes, it felt like a nightmare... I couldn't even mention her name for almost a year... it's ok for you to greive in any way that works for you.... no matter what others think... Stanley will always be in your heart and waiting for you.. someday you'll be together again!! God bless and keep you!

claudine, i came to your blog via carmi in canada and found this post. My heart goes out to you and Paul. I have two feline friends and one is 18 years old and quite fragile these days. i dread the day when we will have to say goodbye. i send you all hugs...

Claudine this brought tears to my eyes. I'm so very sorry. 4 years definitely wasn't long enough. Big hugs! I just had to do the same thing with one of my furbabies. I feel your pain. Hang in there and you guys did the best for him and gave him the best life ever! XOXO

So sorry to hear you've lost Stanley....what a lovely blog tribute you have posted. It may have only been four years but he was given a second chance by Bernie and yourselves and the outcome could have been so much worse. You were blessed with having four years of Stan...and he was blessed with four years of loving 'parents'...thinking of you xxx Ange xxx

Claudine I am so sad and sorry to hear :( Stanley gave so much love and joy to you and well everyone. Thank you for sharing the stories and pictures of all your fur babies. Their love is so unconditional and always, always there. Sending you love and light.Deborah Douglas

Oh poor Stanley. You gave him such a wonderful life. He was a little doll. I loved your posts about him. I'm sorry for you Claudine but I know how much he loved you and you loved him. A special boy always. My thoughts are with you and I'm saddened by your loss.

Claudine, I just completed, and loved, your online class. I am so sorry to hear you lost your precious kitty. I know it has been a terrible year for you and your husband losing your dog and cat. Pets are so important and take such a place of honor in our homes. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner and mother of 2 human kids and I always think that dogs and cats are like children 0-3 years. I guess the human kids begin talking and the furry kids can't use words hence they never get past the preschool age! I lost my dad and my dog in the same week 3 years ago and I haven't been able to even consider another pet until recently- I am looking at dogs again with longing and once again think puppies are sooooo adorable. I see Disney has a new movie coming to TV called "In Search of Santa Paws" about a beautiful white dog that looks exactly like my Shelby who was also a Great Pyranees. Hmmm as me thinking....

Remember the good times and you are correct that 4 years is no where near long enough.

Hi Claudine, so so sorry to hear about Stan, and LOVED your photographs. This is the first time I've looked at your blog (I was told about you while watching a House of 3 webshow last week). I love collage and make decorative magnets, mini books and gift tags etc. Here in New Zealand ranger products are very hard to come by which is such a shame as I adore them! We have a cat that we rescued from the SPCA in Singapore almost 8 years ago. 4 years ago he was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and he regularly has flare ups. This lovely pussycat is such a honey and a very sensitive soul - I love him to pieces so got a tear in my eye reading your post. Smiles from New Zealand

claudine, i am crying right now after reading your tribute to your little guy...i'm so sorry....i have a friend who just lost her cat too...my fred is old and frail now, very boney and i'm getting scared for him now...he was born in 1992...anyway, my heart hurts for you and paul and mabel...much love, diane

Oh Claudine...I am so with you in spirit dear friend. Being the cat lover I am I know how you must feel...just like when our Sterling went after 17 years.God Bless Stanley and all the kitties in heaven and you guys too.

Claudine,I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Stanley. He and my Murphy look so much alike right down to the freckles on the nose. I had to make the same decision with my Max last spring. It is so hard but relieving to know they are not in pain. I hope your memories comfort you through the days.

Dear Claudine & Paul, I am so, so sorry. I can't believe that Stanley Cat is no longer with you. He was only with you for 4 years, but my goodness, what happiness he brought you & what love you gave him.

I know he will be having a wonderful time over the rainbow bridge, stopping every now & then to lick a lollipop & to cast a eye at the new members arriving, waiting for the day he will see someone he knows & loves.

Oh Claudine, I am soooooo sorry! It is never easy to loose one of our babies - especially one as special as Stanley. I know how much your heart is hurting right now....I also know that although it will never hurt less, in time, it will hurt less often. Stanley was very lucky to know the quality of love that you and your husband gave to him. I hope Mabel is coping with the loss also! Hugs and more hugs,Karen

Dear Claudine-There are no words to comfort someone who has just lost a family member. We can only say that we understand the central role of pets in our lives. Although you knew this might happen, nothing can really prepare you.

Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself time to grieve. Everyone understands. And know that Stanley was a happy, happy cat with you two.

Your pictures touched me very much. I had a cat that looked liked yours. You and your husband look like you had a very loving relationship with your Stan. I am sorry he is not with you anymore. May you and your family heal and hopefully can add another member to your family soon.Sincerely,Norma

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty. We have an orange tabby, Sampson, who is getting on in years. Your Stanley reminds me so much of our Sammy. Thanks for sharing Stanley and Mabel with all of us!

I'm so sorry to hear this. My cat has heart failure. He's on 4 different type of medication to slow it down. I'm a nerveous wreck all day making sure I know where he's at and he's eating properly and using the restroom.

thank you so much to each and everyone of you for posting a comment. it means so much to both Paul and I. Stanley was such a sweet little soul I feel lucky to have spent 4 years with him even though I would have given anything for more time.

thank you again so much for posting!! every message has truly touched us!!

Oh Claudine, I'm so sorry. Losing a pet at anytime is hard, but when it's so sudden the loss is truly devastating. Be kind and gentle with yourself and know that you are no alone. You are an amazing pet Mommy.

i know how much you miss stanley.my calico was 20 yrs. old when she passed a couple years ago and i still think of her daily.she was my best friend.we have 5 more cats that we saved and indeed love them all dearly.